A LOT happens this chapter. A lot of stuff I've been wanting to write anyway. Hope you enjoy as things begin to pick up!

The Agreement

There was an unnatural silence despite the hall being full. Night had fallen above ground and curfew for the clan was far behind them. In the wee hours of the morning, the Uchiha gathered below the compound by candlelight. Itachi hung back, having taken a seat near the entrance of the meeting hall. Across the room was his father upon a stone throne. Toma and uchiwa decorated the space around the head of the clan.

"Tonight," Fugaku's voice boomed over the quiet, "we will reach a decision about Akatsuki's demands." He stood. "They will require a large sum of money… And an Uchiha child."

Eyes went wide and muttering erupted in the hall. Itachi felt his stomach burn with terror as he remembered Orochimaru's fangs. His father began to pace the space around the throne.

"Who's child?" One woman's voice rang out.

Fugaku sighed. "They are requesting the youngest child of the purest blood."

The majority of the hall turned to stare at Itachi and a fresh wave of whispers broke. A bold man stood up from the benches. "Itachi is the most promising of us. We can't stage this take over without him."

Frozen, Itachi felt his body tingle and go numb. The sea of bodies around him was blurr and for the first time, he saw emotion on his father's face. The austere man's eyes were shining with unshed tears and his mouth was tight.

Raising his hands to draw attention and quiet the room, Fugaku came down the steps, level with his kin. "Itachi is not my youngest. It will not be Itachi." A new shock rippled over the crowd. "We will give them Uchiha Sasuke, my youngest son."

"No!" Itachi jumped up, finding his feet and fists. "I'll go- give them me!"

Father and son locked eyes and tension rained over the Uchiha. "No. We can't afford to lose you. And you are not the youngest."

"What if I sacrifice myself?" Seething, Itachi took a defiant step forward. "You can't stop me."

"Shut up, Itachi." Fugaku frowned, his eyes dry. "You will obey me. And so will your brother."

"Do you think this deal is just a one time thing?" He was shouting back now, wet tears rolling down his still soft cheeks. "Do you think Akatsuki will just walk away once we get what we want? Is it worth all the blood- the taint of making a pact with those criminals? Do you just think-"

A hand clamped on Itachi's shoulder, bringing his rant to a halt. Turning back, he saw Shisui behind him, shaking his head. "Shut up, Itachi." Forcing his cousin back his seat, he knelt before the clan and Fugaku. "Forgive him. He's young and cares deeply for his brother. He will be obedient. I'll make sure of that."

Fugaku nodded. "Thank you Shisui." He turned his attention back to the pale, candlelit faces surrounding him. "Two months time is all we have. The exchange will be made at that time and Saratoubi will regret what he has put the proud Uchiha clan through."

There lull was met with silence. Eventually one clansmen stood and began to clap slowly. The other Uchiha watched him, before one by one following suit. A dull roar of applause and then cheering broke out. Itachi was the only one seated. Glancing back, Shisui grabbed him roughly, hauling him to his feet. Unable to move, Itachi stood, watching his father bask in the praise. His heart pounded and more tears fell.

"Stop crying and clap if you know what's good for you." Shisui whispered. "They'll lynch you if you don't join in."

"I don't care…" He mumbled.

Squeezing his arm until it hurt, Shisui breathed, "You can't stop this and save Sasuke if you get killed."

Swallowing the growing pain, Itachi wiped his face with the back of his hands and then began to applaud quietly.

His spot in the compound was secluded, surrounded by trees. Itachi faced down a lone wood post. He didn't know what time it was anymore. His fists hit again and again, perfect punches in the same spot every time. It made him sick, so he hit harder.

Fresh tears burned in his eyes and he slammed his knuckles to the wood again. The previous night replayed in his mind on repeat until it seemed to be only a bad dream. The thunk of his clenched fists against the post reminded him it had all been real.

Suddenly there was soft crunch of grass under sandals. Itachi froze, quickly wiping his face. Turning into the sound, he was surprised to see a small shadow emerge. At first he thought Sasuke had found him, but the silhouette was too tall.

"Aster?" He gasped. "What are you doing here? How did you get in here?"

She blushed, folding her arms. "I know I'm not allowed, but no one stopped me when I came through the gates."

Now he glared at her. "What do you want? Shouldn't you be training students or playing games with Sasuke?"

Hurt, she grimaced. "I… I just…" Taking a deep breath, Aster gathered herself. "I just hadn't seen you around lately and I was worried."

"I've been busy." He looked back to the post and continued to mercilessly strike it. The violence of it wasn't lost on her.

Wary, she moved toward him. "If something's bothering you… Look, if you want to talk, I can listen."

Pulling his arm all the way back, he struck again and his knuckles busted. Blood dribbled over his fingers and he stepped away, shaking the injured hand.

"Oh my," Aster rushed in, fumbling with her hip bag. "That's a lot of blood."

Itachi frowned, staring. "Yeah… Pure Uchiha blood."

Confused, she froze. Then, deciding to ignore his strange behavior, she pulled out some gauze. "Fine. Don't talk to me. But at least let me bandage that."

Sighing heavily, he held out his hand, blood dripping into the fresh, green grass. Quickly and expertly, she wrapped the hand, looping gauze around his palm and between his fingers. The end result was neat and tight, blood beginning to seep through.

"It might be broken…" She clasped his limp hand and looked up at him. A sudden warmth flooded his body. "You should get that looked at."

Squeezing her fingers back gently, Itachi met her gaze. "Yeah… Thanks. I'll get it checked." Pulling back, started to leave before pausing. "You might want to get out of here quick. The Uchiha isn't welcoming to outsiders."

Aster pulled her mouth tight and clenched her fists. "Yeah, sounds just like the rest of Konoha."

He tried to reply, but she was already running away and out of ear shot.

There was a gentle knock on the door. It startled Shisui, who was deep in thought, the mysterious book open on floor in front of him. Closing it quickly, he coughed as the pages exhaled dust. Jumping up, he ran to the front door. Pulling it open, he wasn't surprised to see Itachi.

"Itachi…" He took in the defeated slump of his shoulders and then noted his bandaged hand. "What happened to that?" He pointed at the injured knuckles.

Rubbing his wrist, Itachi looked away. "Nothing. Nothing happened."

Frowning, he ignored the bold lie. "Come in."

Entering and following his cousin to the kitchen of his small apartment, he watched as he brewed tea. Both were silent. The chirp of the birds drifted in an open window and sunlight bathed the wooden floors. Itachi cradled his hand.

"Look…" Shisui struggled for the right words. "I'm sorry about Sasuke. I'm so sorry for your loss. But… You can still say goodbye. At least you've still got some time left."

Itachi looked up, blood lust in his eyes. "Fuck that." He let his arms drop. "I'm going to take those bastards down. There won't be an Akatsuki when I'm done."

Wary of his next reply, Shisui turned away, dipping a tea bag gently in steaming water. "You've got to prepare for the worst… I've got a plan, I think. But I need you to keep training and act like nothing is wrong."

"Doesn't your grand plan include me?" He sneered back. "You think I don't have a plan?"

Giving his cousin the full weight of his disapproval, he scowled. "You're being too emotional and irrational. You're going to get yourself killed, and in the process, you'll damn Sasuke. Get your shit together."

Itachi returned his ferocity. "Just watch me- I'll join them and ruin them and this whole plot. If they take me, they won't need Sasuke. And then I can stop them from carrying out this ludicrous coup."

"They won't take you…" Shisui crossed his arms. "At least, not as you are. You don't have enough to offer." The wheels began to turn in his head.

"Go to hell Shisui!" Itachi stormed out of the room. Suddenly he froze, noticing the book on the floor. "What is that?"

He stepped up behind his younger cousin. "Possibly the answer to your dilemma. But that is a conversation we can have later. For now, Sasuke needs you to train. You're incredibly strong. But you're not on the level of S-rank nin. Train harder."

Kicking his feet, Sasuke huffed while sitting on the bench. Rounding the corner, Aster noticed him in the fading afternoon light. Quietly, she approached him. Itachi's cold words rang in her ears and she wondered if Sasuke would still be kind to her.

"Hey," she said softly. He looked up. "No Itachi yet?"

Sasuke crossed his arms. "No… Like usual."

"Let me walk you home then," she offered.

He nodded his acceptance and stood. Together, they strode into the rising night. The last rays of sunlight warmed their backs. The tap of their feet on the packed dirt was rhythmic and even.

"Hey!" Aster whispered suddenly, "Look, Sasuke!"

He followed her pointed finger to a nearby bush. "A butterfly?" His eyes widened.

Stealthily, Aster came to the shrub. With an unexpected burst of speed, she captured it between her palms. Sasuke dashed in, hovering over her cupped hands. Slowly, she opened them. A perfect, white butterfly was perched inside, beating its wings slowly, but not making to fly away.

"Make a wish," she winked.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he held his breath, wishing silently to see Itachi and Aster smiling down at him always. Pulling her hands apart, she released the delicate creature. It sailed on a lazy breeze and they continued their walk.

Twirling high into the air, it disappeared for a moment against a backdrop of clouds. Then reappearing on the other side, it was a stark contrast to the purpling sky. It flew in an unsteady line, dipping and rising sharply. Aster looked back. It wavered as though in acknowledgement. There was a caw and then a crow swooped in, swallowing the wish whole. Startled, she gasped and then looked away quickly.

"Hey, nee-chan," Sasuke grinned up at her. "What did you wish for?"

A pit forming in her stomach, she was slow to reply. "Oh… Well, I can't tell you. It won't come true then." The image of the bird engulfing the butterfly flashed on her eyelids as she blinked. "But I guess that's silly. I'll tell you if you really want to know."

"Yes!" He pumped his fist.

She smiled back, amused and relieved he didn't seem to have seen what she had. "I wished all three of us could live happily ever after."

The night outside was dark and the chirp of the cicadas was a dull roar in the distance. Sasuke opened his eyes, laying on his back. His heart was pounding and sweat dripped down his forehead. Sitting up, he dried his face in his blanket. The sound of a woman crying reached him. It was familiar and alien at once.

Slipping off the side of the bed, he crept into the hallway. The weeping was louder now and definitely not his imagination. Sliding his feet silently, he slipped into the shadows and down the hall. The lamp was lit in his parents room. The sobbing was coming from behind their door. Sasuke froze, back pressed against the wall across from the door. A sliver of yellow light striped his face and chest, all the way down his leg to his toes and stretching back into the room.

His mother was crumpled on the floor, her black hair spread around her and her back heaving with each cry. His father stood, back to her, eyes downcast. She muffled her weeping with her hands and pressed her forehead to the floor, curling her legs under her.

"Fugaku…" She whispered, but Sasuke could still hear her. Transfixed and terrified, he listened. "Must we give them Sasuke?"

His father crossed his arms. "I know you carried him inside you and bore him into this world… I know this is hard for you."

"Hard for me?" She growled. "Do you have a heart anymore?" Salty tears made her cheeks glisten as she glared up at him, still kneeling on the floor.

Fugaku spun, raising his open hand as if to smack her. Her scowl dared him to try. "He is my son too. Don't think I made decision lightly. Sasuke will be remembered as a hero for his sacrifice. It is this or we continue to suffer as a community."

"Then let the Uchiha suffer!" Her voice was still hushed. "That is our little boy! To hell with the clan- what about our family?"

"You're hurting and you can't see things clearly-"

Mikoto leapt to her feet. "I can't see clearly? Do you hear yourself, Fugaku?" She swung at him with small fists.

He caught both her wrists. "You will obey my wishes. This is what the clan desires and what is best for us all. We have been called upon to pay the price of the Uchiha's freedom."

"You're killing our baby before he has a chance to live!" Fresh cries erupted from her and he pulled her to his chest. She struggled against his grip, but he was bigger and stronger.

"One life for the betterment of many..." He breathed. "Sasuke will die a hero."

Heart in his throat, Sasuke held in tears as he snuck down the hall. He couldn't listen anymore to words not meant for his ears. Creeping back into his bed, he curled in a fetal position under his thin cover. His eyes were dry and he squeezed them shut, praying he would wake up until the sun rose.

Kneeling before the third Hokage, Itachi kept his eyes focused on the red carpet. Saratoubi stayed seated, back lit by a setting sun. His desk was clean and uncluttered, his hands folded in his lap. Itachi chewed the inside of his lip, sick in the silence. Anbu missions suddenly seemed so small minded and tedious.

"Uchiha Itachi… May I… Itachi?" The addressed nodded. "Well, Itachi, stand up."

Slowly, he obeyed, still training his eyes on the floor.

"I have a task for you."

Itachi still didn't look up. His mind was elsewhere.

"Itachi," The Hokage was insistent. "I know what you're thinking. I knew about the coup before you did."

Startled, the Uchiha boy finally met his gaze, eyes wide and hollow. "What?"

"The Uchiha won't win this war," he continued, "but it will be a war if they revolt. Innocent people will pay for their pride and vanity." Saratoubi sighed. "I only know so much though… And judging by your reaction, I believe you can be trusted to look out for the best of all of Konoha, not simply your own kin. This must be prevented."

"You…" Itachi was quick to grasp what was happening. "Are you asking me to spy on my clan?"

He titled his head, almost amused, but too worn. "No doubt, they will ask you to spy for them eventually."

"No…"

"This isn't a game Itachi." He held his stare with a surprising power. "People will die. I need you to say yes."

Swallowing hard, his head swam. Itachi bit his lip.

"You need to be a better actor, or you will die doing this and nothing will change. You're instrumental to preventing a lot of bloodshed and saving countless lives. Say yes to me, Itachi. Say, 'yes, I will protect the innocent in Konoha'."

Heart pounding, he nodded slowly. The air was sludgy in his lungs and he felt like he was drowning. "I will protect the innocent… No matter what the cost."

Saratoubi frowned. "Good. That is what we need." He stood finally, turning his back to Itachi as though he couldn't bear to face the request he was making. "Konoha will give you false information to feed them when they inevitably ask. You will report back here. You report to me alone, and only in person, verbally. Make sure no one follows you. Make sure no one hears you or sees you here. If the Uchiha catch you, Fugaku will kill you himself. Betray Konoha, and I will kill you immediately."

Mouth dry, he couldn't speak. Instead he nodded his understanding.

"Reflection" by Yasuharu Takanashi

PlEaSe R&R